Charity Event Raises Funds To Support U.S. STEM Students

Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's (ASF) Spring Auction of Astronaut Experiences & Memorabilia opened at 0900 Thursday and will run through 2000 EDT March 15. The online charity auction features seven astronaut-accompanied adventures as well as 36 lots of rare, flown-in-space and autographed collectibles. Treasures up for grabs include a Greek flag that journeyed to the moon with Command Module Pilot Al Worden on Apollo 15, a NASA-issued Fisher "Space Pen" used aboard the Skylab space station by astronaut Bill Pogue , and a genuine radio cable from an apparatus worn by mission specialist George "Pinky" Nelson during his space walk.

Items like these are popular among both amateur and veteran collectors. But what about the "astro-nut" who has it all, or the space fan who is not a collector? "That's why we offer Astronaut Experiences," said Linn LeBlanc, executive director of ASF. "They're unique, tons of fun, unforgettable...and they don't take up any room in your house."

The seven ASF-exclusive Astronaut Experiences being offered include a private Cayman Islands diving voyage with legendary Apollo 11 astronaut (and second man to set foot on the moon) Buzz Aldrin, a VIP day at NASCAR's Coke Zero 400 with Apollo 16 moonwalker Charlie Duke , and a Colorado mountain climbing expedition with space shuttle astronaut and Everest-conqueror Scott Parazynski.

"Two of our Astronaut Experiences—a classroom visit from Apollo 13 astronaut Fred Haise and a Space Camp adventure with space shuttle astronaut Jan Davis —are perfect for space enthusiasts with kids," said LeBlanc. "I can't think of a better opportunity for a bright young person with a passion for science and space exploration."

All 43 lots of space artifacts, astronaut memorabilia and experiences, which together represent every era of manned spaceflight, will be on the auction block until 10 p.m. (EDT) on March 15, 2013. Winning bids, over fair market value, may be considered a charitable donation.

FMI: www.AstronautScholarship.org/auction